Stadium Chair and Frame

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a stadium chair for use with bleachers. The chair includes a frame having a seat portion and a back portion, a seat cushion, and a backrest.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/380,281, filed on Apr. 26, 2006 which is a continuation ofU.S. patent Ser. No. 11/046,366, filed on Jan. 28, 2005, now abandoned,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/846,136,filed on May 14, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,360 which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/348,785, filed onJan. 22, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,667, the contents of which areincorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to chairs. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to chairs and frames for chairs that are attachable toor useable with stadium seating, such as bleachers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bleacher-type seating is often provided for spectator events such assporting events, concerts, and the like. Such seating may be provided ina permanent setting, such as a stadium, a semi-permanent setting, suchas retractable bleachers in a gymnasium, or on a temporary basis forspecific events. Bleachers provide simple, efficient and convenientseating for a large number of spectators; however, bleachers do notnecessarily provide the most comfortable seating nor do they typicallyidentify an individual seating location.

To improve the comfort of such seating, patrons sometimes bring theirown seats or cushions. While an improvement in comfort, such a solutionrequires the patron to remember to bring their own device, which isoften an afterthought and/or a very easily overlooked consideration whenattending an otherwise exciting event. In addition, having spectatorshauling their own chairs or cushion into a stadium seating arrangementcan be inconvenient and possibly even dangerous to other spectators.That is, walkways are narrow and space is extremely limited so carryingextra items (especially if large, bulky or cumbersome) presents achallenge.

Thus, there exists a need to balance the conveniences and mass seatingoffered through stadium or bleacher seating with a degree of personalcomfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a stadium chair and frame for a stadium chair are provided.The frame of the stadium chair comprise a first support member forpositioning on a bleacher, the first support member having a firstbracket for engaging a front face of the bleacher; a second supportmember for positioning on the bleacher, the second support member havinga second bracket for engaging a front face of the bleacher; a firstupright member having a first end joined to the first support member anda hook-type structure positioned at a second end; a second uprightmember having a first end joined to the second support member and ahook-type structure positioned at a second end; and a horizontallyconfigured structure attached to at least one member, and configured forattachment to the bleacher, the structure positioned at an angle fromthe first and second support members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a stadium chair frame in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a isometric view of a stadium chair with the frame of FIG. 1attached to a bleacher in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a stadium chair frame according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a stadium chair frame according toFIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the stadium chair frame of FIGS.1-4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a stadium chair frame according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the stadium chair of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a partial rear elevational view of an alternate embodiment ofthe stadium chair of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view of a horizontal attachment member forsecuring the stadium seat to the bleacher in one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side planar view illustrating a portion of the stadiumchair frame and attachment to a bleacher with an attachment clamp.

FIG. 11 is a side planar view of the attachment clamp of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an attachment clamp according toone embodiment of the present invention having an aperture for receiptof an attachment device.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the attachment clamp according toFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an exemplary attachment device used forattachment of the clamp to the frame of the stadium chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Stadium chairs used in association with the present invention aredisclosed in detail U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,739,667, 6,926,360, 7,104,605 andpublished United States patent applications, Publication Nos.US2006/0022499, US2006/0250004 and US2006/0250010, the applications,patents and contents thereof are incorporated herein in their entiretyby reference.

The stadium chair 10 of the present embodiment comprises an improvementto the stadium chair for attachment to a bleacher 12. The bleacher 12may be an elongate plank-like member having an upper seating surface 14,a lower surface 16, a front face 18 and a rear face 20. The bleacher 12may be made from various materials, including wood or aluminum. Asillustrated in phantom (FIG. 2), the bleacher 12 may also include arecess 22 having one or more lips and one or more ribs (not shown) toprovide additional structural support.

The stadium chair 10 rests on the upper seating surface 14 and issecured to the front face 18 of the bleacher 12. The stadium chair 10may also be secured to the rear face 20 of the bleacher 12. Theparticular configuration of the bleacher 12 may affect which securementmembers should be used.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the stadium chair 10 includes a frame 24.The frame 24 is formed from one or more tubular or cylindrical members26, 28 appropriately bent at predetermined angles in one or morelocations to form the frame structure 24. In one preferred embodiment, aplurality of tubular or cylindrical members 26, 28 may be used to formthe frame structure 24. The frame 24 may be formed of any suitablematerial, such as metal (e.g., aluminum, steel wire, steel tubing orsteel rod), plastic or the like. The choice of materials may determinewhether the frame 24 is formed via bending, or via welding, or is apre-shaped component (such as molded cast, injection molded). Assemblyof one or more components using fasteners, such as bolt or screw is alsocontemplated. The frame may further be coated with a protective layer,such as a vinyl coating, paint, powder, or other suitable covering.

The frame 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, is formed from a firstgenerally U-shaped bracket 30 having a first face engaging member 32 anda first lower surface engaging member 34. The frame 24 may also includea second generally U-shaped bracket 36 having a second face engagingmember 38 and a second lower surface engaging member 40 which are spacedfrom the first bracket 30 and corresponding members 32, 34. The frame 24includes a first horizontal member 42 and a second horizontal member 44which rest atop the upper seating surface 14 when the stadium chair 10is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 2. In a preferred embodiment, thehorizontal frame member has a length suitable for support of the chairon top of the bleacher or at least partially supported by the bleacher.The horizontal members 42, 44 define a seat portion 46 of the frame 24.The horizontal members 42, 44, may be optionally interconnected by across-member 45. (See FIGS. 4 and 6.)

Depending from the horizontal members 42, 44 and extending upwards, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-5, is a back portion 48 of the frame 24 that isdefined by a first upright member 50 and a second upright member 52. Thefirst and second upright members 50, 52 may be optionally interconnectedby an upright cross-member (not shown). The upper section 54 of the backportion 48 may be angled backwards or away from the bleacher 12, whichmay provide a more comfortable seat back for patrons by preventing theupper ends or portions from engaging the back of the patron. In oneembodiment, the back portion may extend at a right angle to the seatportion. The first and second upright members 50, 52 have a first end60, 62 and a second end 64, 66. The first ends 60, 62 of the first andsecond upright members 50, 52 are respectively positioned at and/orconnected to the first and second horizontal members 42, 44. The firstand second upright members 50, 52 carry inwardly turned portions 68, 70along a portion thereof. Preferably, these inwardly turned portions 68,70 are positioned at the second ends 64, 66 of the first and secondupright members 50, 52. As illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 3,the first inwardly turned end 64 and the second inwardly turned end 66,or portions, face each other so as to be mirror images. Each inwardlyturned end 68, 70 has a generally hook-shaped structure including afirst longitudinal segment 72 connection to an end of a curved segment74, and a second longitudinal segment 76 connected to an opposing end ofthe curved segment 74. While “curved” and “hook-shape” ends arespecifically disclosed, other geometric configuration would beacceptable for the purposes provided, including but not limited to, anangled segment (acute, right, obtuse) connecting the first and secondlongitudinal segments. The inwardly turned ends 68, 70 are preferablyangled away from the front or forward portion of the frame. In thepreferred embodiment the inwardly turned ends are angled to be offset atan angle x greater than ninety (90) degrees from the position of thehorizontal members 68, 70 (see FIG. 6), or more preferably ¼ inch from aninety (90) degree angle, although alternative angles would not departfrom the scope of the present invention. This angle of the inwardlyturned end assists in retaining the backrest taught on the frame andprovides greater comfort to the user. The inwardly turned ends mayfurther include a smoothed or rounded top surface 69 to prevent damageto fabrics positioned thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the inwardlyturned end 68 or 70 extends inwardly approximately 1 to 2 inches, andmore preferably 1½ inches, and extends a height of approximately 1 to 2inches and is more preferably 1¾ inches.

The inwardly turned ends 68, 70 of the first and second upright members50, 52, in one embodiment, aid in securing a backrest 78 to the frame 24(see FIGS. 7-8). Specifically, the backrest 78 may comprise a flexiblemember 80 having one or more interior cavities or sleeves 82, 84,allowing the backrest 78 to be slipped over the back portion 48 of theframe 24. Specifically, the backrest 78 includes a sleeve or pluralityof sleeves 82, 84 having an opening 86, 88 at a first end for receipt ofthe inwardly turned ends or portions 68, 70 within the sleeve 82, 84.Clips (not shown) or other attachment members may be used to temporarilyor permanently secure the backrest to the frame 24. The backrest 78 ismade of a material suitable for outdoor use and provides a degree offlexibility, including but not limited to plastic, nylon, vinyl andother fabrics. In the preferred embodiment the backrest 78 maypreferably include a cushion or foam along a portion thereof, insertedinto the backrest material, or attached to a surface thereof. In onepreferred embodiment, the backrest 78 includes a one (1) inch foaminsert within the backrest material.

The frame 24 further comprises a horizontally configured member 90 forsecuring the stadium chair 10 to the bleacher 12. The horizontallyconfigured member 90 may be positioned along a portion of the frame 24.In a preferred embodiment, the horizontally positioned member 90 ispositioned so as to contact the first upright member 50 and/or thesecond upright member 52. Alternatively, the horizontally configuredmember may be connected to or in contact with one or both horizontalmembers 42, 44 of the seat portion 46 of the frame 24. The horizontallyconfigured member 90 in one preferred embodiment is an attachmentbracket having one or more openings 92 (see FIG. 9). The openings 92 maybe threaded throughbores or unthreaded throughbores for receiving aclamp 94 as seen in FIGS. 10-14, or otherwise capable of receipt of anattachment device 94. The horizontally configured structure 90 may bemade of the same material as the frame 24 or an alternative material.The horizontally configured member 90 is preferably a rigid member madeof a suitably strong material, such as metal. For example, this member90 may be stamped, cast, bent or otherwise fabricated from steel,aluminum or the like. Preferably, the member 90 is a channeled memberhaving some degree of depth or thickness, although other shapes and/ordimensions would not depart from the overall scope of the preferredembodiment. The member 90, in at least one embodiment may be integrallyformed with the frame 24. Alternatively, at opposing ends of thehorizontally configured structure 90, a first tab 96 and a second tab 98may be provided. The tabs 96, 98 may be bent around the upright member50, 52 respectively to secure the horizontal member 90 to the frame 24at any location on the frame 24, or may be otherwise secured in anymanner to the frame based upon manufacturer or user preferences. Asindicated, in one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the horizontallyconfigured member 90 is connected to the upright members 50, 52 of theframe 24. Other locations of attachment, including but not limited to,the horizontal members 42, 44 or inwardly curved members 68, 70 wouldnot depart from the purposes provided. Other means of attachment, suchas bolting, crimping, clamping, welding, integral molding or the likemay be used to secure the horizontal member 90 to the components ormembers of the frame 24.

As indicated, the horizontal member 90 may be provided with one or moreopenings or apertures 92, throughbores or threaded throughbores. Theopenings or throughbores 92 may be used, in one embodiment to attach ableacher attachment device 94. In the illustrated embodiment, one ormore clamps 94 may be attached using any combination of left, center,and right openings or throughbores or a single clamp may be used,secured at the central openings or throughbore or to any unobstructedopening throughbore. In other words, the chair 10 may be positioned asdesired and one or more openings or throughbores 92 may be used formultiple attachment points of an attachment device 94 to secure and/orattach the chair 10 to the bleacher 12.

As seen in FIGS. 9-14, a connecting device 100 may be passed through theclamp 94 and openings or throughbore 92 to connect the clamp to thehorizontal member 90. In one preferred embodiment, a threaded member,such as a bolt 100, may be passed through an upper portion 102 of clamp94 so as to engage one of the throughbores 92, threaded as illustratedin FIG. 10. Rotating the bolt 100 causes the clamp 94 to abut and engagethe horizontal member 90. By tightening the bolt 100, the clamp 94 issecured and the chair 10 is in turn secured to the bleacher 12. Avariety of clamps may be used, in at least one embodiment, an L-shapedattachment clamp may be used.

In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a seat cushion 104is placed atop the seat portion of the frame 24. The seat cushion 104provides a comfortable seating surface for the patron. The cushion 104and backrest 78 may be made from any appropriate materials such asvinyl, plastic or the like. If exposed to the environment, the materialchosen preferably is suitably durable or weather resistant. The cushion104 and/or the backrest 78 can include a desired amount of padding orcushioning to achieve a desired size, shape and degree of comfort.Likewise, the cushion 104 and/or backrest 78 may be colored and providea surface for the attachment of images or other logos for variouspurposes.

In use, the frame 24 is positioned so that the first and secondgenerally U-shaped brackets 30, 36 loop over and/or engage the frontface 18 of the bleacher 12 (see FIG. 2). If necessary, a horizontallyconfigured structure 90 may be secured to the frame 24 for securing thechair 10 to the bleacher 12; and/or an attachment clamp 94 may bereleasably secured to the horizontal member 24 or the frame 24 andpositioned so that a portion 106 thereof is below the bleacher 12, incontact with the lower surface 16 of the bleacher 12. As the attachmentclamp 94 is tightened against the horizontal member 90, the attachmentclamp frictionally engages the bleacher 12, effectively clamping thestadium chair 10 to the bleacher 12.

In one preferred embodiment, the backrest 78 may be attached to theframe 24 by inserting the first inwardly turned member 68 of the frame24 into a first sleeve 82 and inserting the second inwardly turnedmember 70 of the frame 24 into a second sleeve 84 of the backrest 78(see FIGS. 7-8). This may occur individually or simultaneously and mayoccur before or after the attachment of the stadium chair 10 to thebleacher 12. The inwardly turned ends 68, 70 of the frame 24 provide awider surface area for contact of the backrest 78 with the frame 24 soas to provide additional support for the patron and limit damage to thebackrest caused by narrow frame 24 members. A seat cushion 104 may alsobe attached to the frame 24 when applicable.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled inthe art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodimentswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subjectmatter set forth in the specification and claims. All directionalreferences (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward,rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise,counterclockwise, x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) are only used foridentification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of theembodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations,particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the inventionunless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g.,attached, coupled, connected) are to be construed broadly and mayinclude intermediate members between a connection of elements andrelative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do notnecessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixedrelation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends”having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with anotherpart. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the presentinvention is not limited to components which terminate immediatelybeyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end”should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent,rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particularelement, link, component, part, member. In methodologies directly orindirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are describedin one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art willrecognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, oreliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in theabove description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail orstructure may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A frame for a stadium chair, the frame comprising: a first supportmember for positioning on a bleacher, the first support member having afirst bracket for engaging a front face of the bleacher; a secondsupport member for positioning on the bleacher, the second supportmember having a second bracket for engaging a front face of thebleacher; a first upright member having a first end joined to the firstsupport member and a hook-type structure positioned at a second endoffset at a first angle; a second upright member having a first endjoined to the second support member and a hook-type structure positionedat a second end at a second offset angle; and a horizontally configuredstructure attached to at least one member, configured to attach thechair to the bleacher, the structure being positioned at an angle fromthe first and second support members.
 2. The frame of claim 1, whereinthe horizontally configured structure comprises an attachment bracket.3. The frame of claim 1, wherein the horizontally configured structurehas a throughbore for receipt of an attachment device.
 4. The frame ofclaim 1, wherein the horizontally configured structure has an attachmentclamp for securing the frame to the bleacher.
 5. A frame for a stadiumchair, the frame comprising: a first support member for positioning on ableacher, the first support member having a first bracket for engaging afront face of the bleacher; a second support member for positioning onthe bleacher, the second support member having a second bracket forengaging a front face of the bleacher; a first upright member having afirst end joined to the first support member and an inwardly turnedportion; a second upright member having a first end joined to the secondsupport member and an inwardly turned portion; and a horizontallyarranged structure attached to at least one member, configured toremovably secure the chair to the bleacher between at least two members.6. A stadium chair comprising: a frame having a seat portion and a backportion, the seat portion having a first support member for positioningon a bleacher, the first support member having a first bracket forengaging a front face of the bleacher and a second support member forpositioning on the bleacher, the second support member having a secondbracket for engaging a front face of the bleacher, the back portionhaving a first upright member having a first end joined to the firstsupport member and an inwardly turned structure positioned at a secondend, and a second upright member having a first end joined to the secondsupport member and an inwardly turned structure positioned at a secondend; a seat cushion configured to rest on the seat portion; a backresthaving an interior portion for receiving a portion of the inwardlyturned structure of the first and second upright members and spanningbetween the first upright member and second upright member; and ahorizontally configured structure attached to at least one member,configured to attach the chair to the bleacher.
 7. The stadium chair ofclaim 6, wherein the horizontally configured structure comprises anattachment bracket.
 8. The stadium chair of claim 6, wherein thehorizontally configured structure has a throughbore for receipt of anattachment device.
 9. The stadium chair of claim 6, wherein thehorizontally configured structure has an attachment clamp for securingthe chair to the bleacher.
 10. The stadium chair of claim 6, wherein thebackrest interior portion comprises a first sleeve and a second sleeve.11. The stadium chair of claim 10, wherein the first sleeve and secondsleeve are positioned on an outer surface of the backrest.